9651To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 19 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
Young Lafayette called to day, on his way to New York to embark for France. He left Genl. Washington last Friday perfectly well—and saw a letter from him dated on Saturday afternoon. But on his way, as he drew near to Philadelphia, was told the General was dead.—Mr. Simmons at the War Office told Major Lewis, who just now called to see me, that an Express had passed thro’ Derby with the news....
9652To John Adams from John Jebb, 13 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
My delay in answering your obliging favour of the 21 st. ult. has arisen partly from business, partly ill health. which have alternately prevented me from giving the proper degree of attention to the objections you have stated against the 36 th Article of the Pensylvanian Frame of Government. I esteem myself much honoured by your invitation to communicate mutually our sentiments upon the...
9653To John Adams from Joshua Johnson, 18 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have not been inattentive to your request, to make inquiry of the Price of Hay, Straw, Oates & Wood, for the first, I can obtain for you at 7/6 the long Hundred deliverable at your Stables; Starw is scarce, I have not met with anyone who will ingage to serve you with it; The Country People ask 3/9 per Bushel for Oates tho the Crop is large and some has been bought at 3/— at which price I...
9654Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
You will wonder I suppose to what part of the world all the Letters you have written since the 25 of Sepbr. are gone, that not a line of a later date has reachd me, even up to this 23 day of April. My Heart sickens at the recollection, and I most sensibly feel the sacrifice of my happiness from the Malignant Union of Mars with Belona. My two dear Boys cannot immagine how ardently I long to...
9655To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 5 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a Letter from George Divers who was appointed the Commissioner for the eleventh Division declining the appointment and recommending Thomas Divers to be appointed in his stead. From the tenor of Colo. Carrington’s Letter of the 13th. of September and the express recommendation of Thomas Posey contained in his Letter of September 28th. I have no doubt that General...
9656From John Adams to John Adams, 30 September 1822 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for a pretty volume of Poetic effusions; for want of sight I have not read them, but in those which have been read to me, I perceive nothing inconsistent with morals, on the contrary, a social spirit of charity humanity, and benevolence, Of the Poetical merit I pretend not to be a critical judge. From your name I conjecture that you are a bee, from one of the six swarms , that...
9657To John Adams from John Penn, 24 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
Conscious of the sincerity with which I espouse the noble cause, from the conspicuous support of which your Excellency has derived so much glory among all true Englishmen; I mean the cause of national liberty; I do not scruple to presume that the publications which attend this letter may be thought worthy of your acceptance. Taste has been so perverted by the new opinions, that it seemed...
9658To John Adams from Ezra Weld, 2 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
As inhabitants of this ancient Town, which gave you birth, tho’ now by its division, Quincy is honored, as the place of your residence we retain that affection and esteem for your personal honor and happiness, which are the natural result of such a connection; yet this is a circumstance of very small consideration, compared with other reasons of attachment and veneration, which upon this...
9659Charles Adams to John Adams, 8 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
I had yesterday the honor of receiving your kind letter of the fifth. Our electors have returned from Poughkeepsie but are determined by the information I have procured to keep the State of their votes a secret. There is it is true a report that they were unanimous, but I beleive it arises from no good authority A certain nephew of our Governor has held out hopes of twelve votes from the...
9660To John Adams from John Winthrop, April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you the 5th instant by my son William who was going to Philadelphia; but as he was to stay some time at New York, being employed by Col. Warren as Paymaster, I suppose you have not yet received that letter. In it I took the liberty to request your influence, that either my brother might be appointed sole Clerk of the Superior Court; or, if it should be thought best to have two, my son...
9661To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 March 1811 (Adams Papers)
Although I have so lately written, I will not, as mÿ restored health can be no pretext, delaÿ for one single daÿ, to send you a few lines more; now I have seen the confirmation of the good news from Washington—and, certainlÿ, if we maÿ claim a friend’s comfort in distress, then he too must be entitled to share our joys. I do so indeed, and congratulate you and your Excellent consort most...
9662To John Adams from Rev. William Walter, 7 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
Count Rumford having enclosed to me two packages which I presume contain two of his Essays I hasten to forward them that your Excellency may have the great pleasure of perusing his long promised observations on the best & most œconomical Method of preparing our common Food, a Subject of no small Importance to Society but in the Knowlege of which, he says, we are shamefully deficient. with...
9663To John Adams from James Lovell, 21 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
France appears to be most perfectly satisfied with the present mediators yet presses us for an Arrangement final of the most moderate terms. Franklin, Jay, H. Laurence and Jefferson are added to you . You would be made very happy by such an Event being grounded on a Desire to alleviate the Distress of a great discretion but blush blush America consult and ultimately concur in everything with...
9664To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 8 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
Can I send thee a 3 dollar octavo volume of 620 pages, by mail, post-free? I have just published so good a thing that I very much want thee to see it. A Gazetteer & Geography of the State of New-York, the writing of which employed me, closely, for more than 2 years. As I have send all the freedom of remark that a Republican ought to do, aiming at truth, there are many things incidentally said...
9665To John Adams from John van de Velde, 9 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour of writing you these few Lines trusting on your natural Kindness, to Excuse the Liberty I make bold to take, to inquire from you, Iff y can Safely purchase on reasonable terms the Two Inclosed Congres bills on Nottes of 8 february 1779 No 2348 Letter L } due 8e february 1782, with 6 pC Intrest per 2349 Letter M annum each value Dollars one thousand payable to samuel Curson or...
9666To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from J C Jones, Chairman of the Committee for building a Ship at Boston; recommending Capt George Little, for the Command of that Ship. Presuming that you Sir, will think it proper to indulge the Committee at Boston, as has been the case in all similar instances, with the selection of the officers—I take the liberty to enclose in the letter for Mr Jones, a...
9667Thomas Welsh to John Adams, 15 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your Favor of Nov r 19 th I rec d I have since mine of Nov r 7 th. found that M r Dexter is not chosen, altho’ M r Varnum who was put up by the antis makes but a small shew against him M r Gerry having by far the greatest Number of Votes of any other Candidate but he declines being considered as a Candidate; it is true I believe that M r Dearborn is not elected. Last Evening a Ship Cap
9668To John Adams from Lataque, 11 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Une famille honete, se sert de mon entremise pour avoir lhonneur de vous demander, si Mr de Roche Fremoy est toujour em ployé dans larmée de Mr le general Waginton; jose esperer Monsieur que vous daigneres maccorder la grace, de me fournir touts les eclaircissements que vous deves avoir sur le compte de cet officier, dont on nentend, plus parler deja depuis quelque temps; jay lhonneur detre...
9669To John Adams from David Sewall, 31 October 1815 (Adams Papers)
Various changes in the Natural, political and moral World, have occurred, since the beginning of the current year. of which, our advanced Age, admonishes us, We shall probably not much longer be permitted to suffer enjoy, or contemplate. I delayed for some time to write you under some expectation of once more viziting the Metropolis of the State, from whence I hoped to make an excurtion to...
9670To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 29 June 1805 (Adams Papers)
Having been called upon lately to bear a part in the examination & exercises of twenty four Candidates for degrees in Medicine, I have been prevented from attending to my duties to my correspondents for several Weeks. I now sit down to resume the exercise of that duty, by thanking you for your last friendly letter of the first of last Month. I shall first reply to your question relative to the...
9671To John Adams from William Lewis, 19 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
In compliance with your request, we shall now proceed briefly to communicate the points and Authorities, which we intended to urge in the case of the U.S. vs. Fries, if the Conduct of the Court had not unexpectedly deprived us of every hope of Success from these Means of defence. It may be proper to premise, that on the Morning appointed for the Trial, the Presiding Judge in the Presence of...
9672Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 12 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I arrived at this place yesterday afternoon, in the Ship Alexander Hamilton, after a passage of 46 days— The Season of the year will best explain what kind of weather we have experienced. I thank God that I tread once more the land of my Fathers. I shall wait only for my baggage to come on shore and then set out for Philadelphia—where I hope—to meet you in health. It gives me pain that I...
9673To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipts of your letters dated May 27th. & 28th. and Mr Shaws letter dated June 5th. covering recommendations in favor of Noah Pease, Nathaniel Mayhew and Silas Daggot, for the appointment of Keeper of the Light House to be erected on Gay Head— The Light House is not erected, and there is not an immediate necessity any appointment;—to prevent the trouble of...
9674Abigail Adams to John Adams, 8 June 1779 (Adams Papers)
Six Months have already elapsed since I heard a syllable from you or my dear Son, and five since I have had one single opportunity of conveying a line to you. Letters of various dates have lain months at the Navy Board, and a packet and Frigate both ready to sail at an hours warning have been months waiting the orders of Congress. They no doubt have their reasons, or ought to have for...
9675Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 26 November 1796 (Adams Papers)
Two days since I had the pleasure to receive your kind favors of the 9 th: June and 8 th: of August, which came by the way of England with one of the 16 th: August from my mother. I find by these, that my letter’s to you and my mother of the last of June, had not then been received, but they must have come to hand soon after, as I have an answer to a letter, which I wrote my brother at...
9676The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams: A Translation, 21 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have received, sir, the letter that you did me the honor to write on the 16th of this month, and also the extract of the letter addressed to you from Boston, dated 26 April. From this it appears that the assembly of Massachusetts has determined to adopt Congress’ resolution fixing the value of the paper money at 40 dollars for one dollar in specie. On reading that resolution I was persuaded...
9677From John Montgomery to John Adams, 14 October 1791 (Adams Papers)
By special request of my Brother at Alicante I have the Honour of communicating to your Excellency in his name of the demise of the Dey of Algeirs on the 12th of July, and that the Minister Ali Hassan Who Was Always M r Montgomery s friend is now Dey and that S’ or Soliman an Algerun Nobleman Who paid him a Visit at Alicante is promoted in consequance from these circumstances M r Montgomery...
9678To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 2 September 1810 (Adams Papers)
Captain Harrod, by whom you sent your very kind favour of 16. March, has only come as far as Königsberg in Prussia—From that place he has forwarded to me, by a vessel of Mr: Gray’s, the letters with which he had been charged, and a box which had been put up by Mrs: T. B. Adams for my wife—They have thus all been received, and with the box one copy of my printed Lectures, of which a set had...
9679To John Adams from Henry Colman, 5 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
I rely upon your candour to forgive my taking your time and your patience, while I thank you for the many and great advantages which I have derived from your letters to this city. I find Mr Vaughan one of the most active beings that I have ever met with, full of good sense, intelligence and enlivening anecdote, and ready and disposed to minister in every possible way to my ease and...
9680To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 29 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
I Am honoured with the Receipt of your Excellencys Letter of the last Post. The Letter of which I gave your Excellency an Extract about a fortnight Ago made me very Uneasy, as it shewed me there was a misunderstanding somewhere—I could wish your Excellency would clear it up by a Letter to our Friend at Nantes. I fancy He imagines that His name is joined with yours in the Different Commissions,...
9681To John Adams from Henry Warren, 26 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have ever been led to believe that the Group , written in the early stage of the American revolution, was composed at your suggestion; & the manuscript copy in the hand writing of Mrs: M. Warren my mother, is one evidence of the fact: and some letters of yours to her on that subject are fully confirmatory of the authorship.—But having lately seen in print & in Ms: credit to have been given...
9682To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 21 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Agreable to my Faith I have obtain’d a Promise of Money sufficient to pay the Bills you have accepted, and shall accordingly accept those you draw on me for that purpose. I request only that you would send me immediately a List of the Bills, and of the Times of their becoming due, that I may be always provided, and that as the Money will come gradually into my hands, you would not draw upon me...
9683Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 25 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter by the Post and Express almost at the same time. Your things went away last Night at Eleven o’Clock, and Inclosed I send you an Account of them. It shou’d have gone by the Express but it was Very late before the affair was finish’d, and he will shew you a Duplicate of it— I Packed your Two Trunks Myself, and if they do not meet with any Interuption at the Barriers they...
9684To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 11 September 1815 (Adams Papers)
We Have left School for a day because John was not quite well. we go to Ealing School kept by Doctor Nicholas of Wadham College, Oxford. There are 275 boys of which I know a 140 I learn Latin, Greek, Drawing, Dancing, French, Music, English, Arithmetic, Writing, and Fencing. Papa has bought a Curricle, and a Landau. It is the fashion at Ealing, for Ladies to ride on Donkeys, which is the...
9685To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 9 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
En réponse à l’honorée vôtre du 1 er. de ce mois, J’ai reçu & fait parvenir les Lettres que V.E. a eu la bonté d’écrire au Président, à Mr. Fagel, & à MM. Willink & Staphorst à ma priere. Je n’en ai pas de réponse encore, non plus qu’à 2 notes qui ont précédé de ma part, à Mr. Fagel, & dont voici copie. Je suppose néanmoins foiblement, que le tout a fait l’effet d’avoir été épargnés jusqu’ici,...
9686To John Adams from Thomas Marston, 6 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to your request, I send you the names of those gentlemen who visited you last saturday. An advertisement has been inserted in our daily paper, expressing a want of certain political essays signed Massachusettensis , and the answer by the Honble John Adams. As I know you do not take the Daily Advertiser, I have mentioned it for your information. They were written in 1774—Very...
9687To John Adams from Tn., Citizens of Powells Valley, 21 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of the Subscribers in behalf of themselves, and certain other Inhabitants, of Powells Valley, Citizens of the State and County aforesaid, humbly represent to His Excellency John Adams, President of the United States of America. That your Memorialists are like to receive considerable injury by the extension of the Boundary Line, between the United States, and the Cherokee Nation of...
9688From John Jay to John Adams, March 1783 (Jay Papers)
On calling this Moment for my Man Manuel to comb me, I am told he is gone to shew my Nephew the Fair— I fear they will have so many fine Things & Raree Shows to see and admire, that my Head will remain in Statu quo ’till afternoon, & consequently our intended Visit to C t . Sarsfield be postpond. Thus does Tyrant Custom sometimes hold us by a Hair , and thus do ridiculous Fashions make us...
9689To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 2 June 1812 (Adams Papers)
Stephen Gerard came to Philada from France About thirty years ago in the capacity of a Sailor. Having had some education, and possessing a strong mind, he soon became a master of a Vessel, afterwards a merchant by which employment he has amassed an estate of five millions of dollars, one million of which was in Stock of the late bank of the United States, the rest is in houses, lots, Ships &...
9690To John Adams from Henry Warren, 13 December 1820 (Adams Papers)
You having been chosen an honorary member of the Pilgrim Society of the Old Colony, & requested to attend the ensuing celebration of the Landing of the Fathers , I take liberty to address you a line on this occasion. The visits you formerly made here in professional character—in political views—& in private friendships, can never be forgotten: & could they be renewed, would recall many ancient...
9691From George Washington to John Adams, 1 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
The letter herewith enclosed from Mr Joel Barlow (though the old date) came to my hands only yesterday. I have conceived it to be my duty to transmit it to you without delay—and without a comment; except that it must have been written with a very good, or a very bad design: which of the two, you can judge better than I. For, from the known abilities of that Gentleman, such a letter could not...
9692To John Adams from John Jay, 1 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
I am this moment informed of a safe opportunity of conveying you a Letter, and as such another may not soon offer, I must not omit it. My opinion coincides with yours as to the Impropriety of treating with our Enemies on any other than an equal footing. We have told mr Oswald so, and he has sent an Express to London to communicate it, and to require further Instructions. He has not yet recd....
9693To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
Although the manifold proofs, which I received from your affectionate regards can never be obliterated—no—not even weakened by lenght of time—yet I presume—it may be become a difficult task to you to recollect, when the last line to inform me of your wellfare—from Montezillo was written—You know me too well, that I could wish to extort from you one Single line, which Should cause you the least...
9694To John Adams from William Rotch, 10 April 1823 (Adams Papers)
The Old Colony Memorial was lately put into my hands, I suppose with a view that I might see my doom portray’d by A Coffin in a letter to S Adams Esqr. in the year 1785, lately hunted up after laying quiet 37 years, and now carefully publish’d, not by the person to whom it was addressed, who no doubt saw no cause for it; but by order of my friend John Adams, with his directions to insert it...
9695Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 27 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honour of sending to your Excellency Copies of Papers contain’d in a Dispatch just receiv’d from Congress. The Affair of the Free-Ports recommended to us, has been someTime settled: They are Dunkirk, L’Orient, Bayonne & Marseilles.— I wonder much that we hear nothing from Congress of their foreign Arrangements. This short Line from the President is the only one I have...
9696Jean Luzac to John Adams: A Translation, 14 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am very sorry that the publication of the pamphlet has been so long delayed, first by the refusal of the bookseller to whom I had sent it and on whom I had counted, and then by the continual delays of the printer. Now it is finally done, and I have the honor to send to you the two enclosed copies. I have requested a dozen free for your use and I will send another ten by the Barque Marchande....
9697To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 20 April 1803 (Adams Papers)
Receieved by Cotton Tufts of the Honble John Adams Esq. Sixty Seven Dollars and Fifty Three Cents in full for one years Interest on his Note of hand given to me April 1802 —Quincy Thaxter and endorsed by him to us Said Note bearing Date March 29. 1802 Hingham April 20th. 1803 Received by Cotton Tufts of the Honbl. John Adams Esq. Sixty Seven Dollars and Fifty Three Cents being in full for one...
9698Jean Luzac to John Adams: A Translation, 14 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have finished reading the pamphlet, about which you asked my opinion. The style is excellent and it is only in the first eight or ten pages that I found some obvious, but easily correctable errors in language. As to content, it is well reasoned and, although the author’s vivid imagination may have led him to exaggerate somewhat the consequences of the American Revolution, I am nevertheless...
9699To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 15 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have read, more than once your defence of the constitutions of America and am instructed, entertained and convinced. you have proved your principle most masterly and satisfactorily from History, nothing now remains but that your country may benefit of your labors by putting your principles in execution. “opinionum commenta delet dies naturæ judicia confirmat.” Fears I have and great they...
9700From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 19 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Lambe is arrived. He brings new full powers to us from Congress to appoint persons to negotiate with the Barbary states , but we are to sign the treaties. Lambe has not